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How to Help Your Dog Transition to a New Home After Moving

25 July 2017

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Pet Wants

Moving can be a very exciting experience. However, it can also be a very stressful experience. This can be just as true for your dog as it is for the rest of your family. Dogs are pack animals, which means they’re likely to experience the same emotions as the human members of their family. Given everything that occurs during the course of moving, it’s not uncommon for a dog to be less than excited when they visit their new home for the first time. If you want to make your dog’s experience a positive one, there are several ways to make that happen. Here are our top tips for transitioning your dog to a new home after moving:

1. Expect Emotions

A new house means lots of new smells for your dog to explore. This can create a sense of excitement. Then once the initial novelty wears off and your dog realizes this is its new environment, this significant change can also lead to stress. Even if your dog doesn’t normally mark its territory or dig in the backyard, it may do so in response to being put in a new environment. The best thing you can do is be patient and understanding with your dog.

2. Start with a Tour

The best way to acclimate your dog to your new home is by taking a tour through the entire house and backyard. This will give your dog a chance to take in everything new, and you can help guide this experience in a positive direction by providing healthy dog treats during the tour. You may also want to put your dog’s bed and a few toys throughout the house to help create a comfortable environment for your pet.

3. Be Aware of Other Dogs

If there are any dogs in backyards near your own, chances are your dog is going to be very interested in them. This can lead to issues like barking. Ideally, you’ll be able to meet your neighbors and at least let your pet see their dogs. Regardless of whether or not that’s possible, consistently exercising your dog with walks and dog park visits will help prevent behavioral issues.

4. Establish a Routine

Dogs do best when they have a routine to follow. So the sooner you can get your dog into a regular routine with things like eating its dog food and going for a daily walk, the better. While adjusting to a new environment may still take some time, having a routine will help make it as manageable as possible for your dog.

By expecting emotions, starting with a tour, being aware of other dogs and establishing a routine, you’ll be able to help your dog embrace this big change in your lives.